System and method for hair extensions separator

ABSTRACT

A hair extensions separator has a plurality of lateral grooves and a wrapping mechanism to wrap the separated hair extensions in the plurality of lateral grooves. A method for separating and wrapping hair bundles can be performed and in one embodiment can be performed using the hair extensions separator. In various embodiments, the hair extensions separator has a comb-like structure used in conjunction with the plurality of lateral grooves to aid in separating the hair. In other embodiments, the hair extensions separator may further comprise adjustable sizes of the plurality of lateral grooves.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application relates to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional application 63/281,004 filed 18 Nov. 2021, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to systems and methods that allow a user to separate hair extensions into manageable smaller wrapped bundles.

BACKGROUND

Hair extensions, also known as hair weaves, are used to add length and fullness to human hair. Hair extension can be made of synthetic materials or human hair. Hair extensions are usually clipped, glued, sewn, or braided on (collectively incorporated into) natural hair by incorporating additional human or synthetic hair. When braiding with hair extensions, the hair extensions must be separated into smaller bundles known as singles or hair singles. The braider uses each individual smaller bundle (i.e., hair singles) and incorporates each the hair singles with the wearer's natural hair.

Manually separating the hair extensions into singles takes up an inordinate amount of time. Some hair styles can take up to eight hours to complete and also having to manually separate hair extensions adds more time to the process. Furthermore, manually separating the hair extensions into singles often results in tangled singles that cannot be used and must be discarded, resulting in monetary loss. Additionally, manual separation of extensions results in scattering of hair strands around the work area requiring extra clean-up during and after the hair styling process.

It is therefore desirable to provide a hair extensions separator that provides a faster and more efficient way to separate hair extensions into smaller bundles (i.e., hair singles). Using a hair extensions separator, hair braiders can complete hair styles faster allowing a braider the opportunity to work with more clients on any given day. Customers would also benefit as it will require less time sitting. A hair extensions separator would reduce tangles and eliminate the need to discard portions of the hair extensions due to tangling. Further, a hair extensions separator results in no or minimal debris, which allows the hair braider to focus on hair styling rather than clean-up.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various objectives, features, and advantages of the disclosed subject matter can be more fully appreciated with reference to the following detailed description of the disclosed subject matter when considered in connection with the following drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements.

FIG. 1 depicts a top view of an exemplary hair extensions separator, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of an exemplary hair extensions separator of FIG. 1 , according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2B a side view of an exemplary hair extensions separator with a comb-like structure of FIG. 1 , according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of an exemplary hair extensions separator of FIG. 1 , according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of an exemplary hair extensions separator with a wrapping mechanism of FIG. 1 , according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates the method of separating hair extensions according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5A depicts a top view of a second exemplary hair extensions separator, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5B depicts hair singles created using the hair extensions separator of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C depicts a detailed view of one comb-like structure of the second exemplary hair extensions separator, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5D depicts a detailed view of comb-like structures of the second exemplary hair extensions separator, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a sufficient understanding of the subject matter present herein. But it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. Moreover, the particular embodiments described herein are provided by way of example and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

Described here are systems and methods for a hair extensions separator that separates hair extensions into smaller wrapped hair bundles for easier use.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a hair extensions separator 100 with a top surface 110 onto which the hair (synthetic or real) is placed across the top surface 110 in order to separate the hair extensions into singles. The top surface 110 comprises a plurality of lateral grooves 120. The lateral grooves 120 travel most of the longer length of the top surface 110 to the edges of the top surface. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 , the plurality of lateral grooves 120 are situated horizontally on the top surface 110. Each groove of the plurality of lateral grooves comprises groove walls 120 a and a groove floor 120 b (detailed in FIG. 2A). The top surface 110 and grooves 120 may both be made out of the same material, such as plastic, wood, or any other suitable material. Towards the ends of the plurality of grooves 120 and at each end of the top surface 110, are locking mechanisms 150 and 160 that are used to secure the hair in place. The top surface 110 also contains one or more comb-like structures 170 (only one is shown in FIG. 1 ) which can be dragged along the top surface 110 and moved through the hair to evenly distribute the hair extension into the plurality of lateral grooves 120. In certain embodiments, the hair is manually distributed into the plurality of lateral grooves 120 by a user's hands. The top surface 110 also comprises a middle portion 130. The middle portion 130 is designed to be perpendicular to each of the plurality of grooves 120. The middle portion 130 comprises a vertically movable platform 140. The vertically movable platform 140 can be raised or lowered. In certain embodiments the vertically movable platform 140 is lower than the groove floor 120 b. The vertically movable platform 140 can be raised once the hair has been separated into each of the grooves in order to facilitate a wrapper (that may be paper or another material) being wrapped around a middle portion of each of the singles. In some embodiments, the vertically movable platform 140 also may have a mechanism that wraps the wrapper around each of the singles. In certain embodiments, the middle portion 130 can be widened to allow for more clearance to work on the hair singles.

In certain embodiments, the locking mechanisms 150 and 160 comprise folding locks used to pull and secure the singles to the top surface 120. Thus the locking mechanisms 150 and 160 keep the ends of the singles tightly secured allowing the singles to be wrapped as described below. In certain embodiments, each end of the unit will comprise edge locks to lock and secure the singles once the hair is evenly spread across the flatbed. These locks can either be the first device pulled from the center and locked down on each end or folded/bent inward and down on top of the hair providing an inward locking force. Other locking mechanisms that can tightly secure the ends of the singles may also be used.

FIG. 2A depicts a side view of the hair extensions separator 100. Each of the grooves of the plurality of grooves 120 comprises of groove sidewalls 120 a and groove floors 120 b. In certain embodiments, the width of the groove sidewalls 120 a and/or groove floors 120 b are adjustable to accommodate various sizes of the desired hair singles. Furthermore, although each groove is shown having vertical sidewalls and a flat floor, the groves may have other shapes that are within the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, although the grooves in FIG. 2A are uniformly sized and have a uniform depth, some embodiments may have grooves in which each of the grooves is not a uniform depth and/or width.

FIG. 2B depicts a side view of the hair extensions separator 100 including the comb-like structure 170. The comb-like structure 170 comprises a plurality of teeth protruding downwards from a handle portion. When the comb-like structure 170 is being used to separate the hair lying on the top surface, the plurality of teeth are oriented towards the top surface 110 as shown in FIG. 2B. During operation, the comb-like structure 170 is lowered towards the top surface 110 thereby trapping the hair strands between the teeth. The comb-like structure 170 is then swept laterally along the top surface 110 over the plurality of grooves 120 thereby forcing the hair strands to fall into the plurality of lateral grooves 120. In certain embodiments, the hair extensions separator 100 can have two comb-like structures on either side of the middle portion 130. In such an embodiment, each comb-like structure is swept on the top surface 110 on either side of the middle portion 130 where the comb-like structure is located. In certain embodiments, the width between adjacent teeth of the comb-like structure is adjustable to accommodate different desired hair singles sizes. Furthermore, while the teeth of the comb-like structure are shown to be the same approximate width as the grooves 120 in FIG. 2B, there may be embodiments in which the teeth of the comb-like structure are narrower in width that the grooves so that one or more of the teeth can extend down into one or more of the grooves.

FIG. 3A depicts a front view of the hair extensions separator 100 with hair singles in groove 120 that intersects with the middle portion 130 wherein the hair bundle is held in place by the locking mechanisms 150, 160. Also shown is the vertically movable platform 140 whose top surface is lower than the floor 120 b of the lateral groove 120. In certain embodiments, the vertically movable platform 140 can be raised to have its top surface higher than the groove floor 120 b that allows the hair single to have its middle portion wrapped with the wrapper as described above. In certain other embodiments, the vertically movable platform 140 can be raised to have its top surface higher than the top surface 110 of the hair extension separator 100 that also allows the hair bundle to have its middle portion wrapped with the wrapper as described above.

FIG. 3B depicts a front view of the hair extensions separator 100 as in FIG. 3A, but FIG. 3B further depicts a wrapping mechanism 180. In certain embodiments, wrapping mechanism 180 comprises a wrapping material such as paper, rubber bands, plastic, or other material that can be used to wrap the hair singles. In operation, the wrapping mechanism 180 is lowered over the middle portion 130 over the middle and/or a portion of each of the hair singles. Once the wrapping mechanism 180 contacts the hair singles, the wrapping mechanism 180 dispenses its wrapping material surrounding each hair singles and secures it (such as by glue, a tighten and/or twist force, wrapping paper, or other material) thereby individually wrapping the hair singles. In certain embodiments, the wrapping mechanism 180 is contained in the vertically movable platform 140. In certain other embodiments, the user can apply wrapping materials on the hair singles manually.

FIG. 4 depicts a method of separating hair extensions. In one embodiment, the method may be practiced using the hair extensions separator 100 shown in FIGS. 1-3B. For purposes of illustration, the method will be described when the hair extensions separator 100 shown in FIGS. 1-3B is being used to practice the method.

The process begins with step 210 in which the user spreads the hair bundle or bundles (previously purchased at a beauty store) on the top surface 110 of the hair extension separator 100. Usually, hair extensions come bundled in a relatively large bundle and at step 210, the user roughly spreads this large bundle over the top surface 110. During this spreading step, some of the hair extensions fall into the plurality of lateral grooves 120 and some strands remain on the top surface 110. Next at step 220, the user employs the comb-like structure 170 by moving the comb-like structure 170 laterally over the top surface 110. In certain embodiments, the user can manually sweep the hair extensions into the plurality of lateral grooves 120 without using the comb-like structure 170. During this step, the hair that remained in the top surface after step 210 is pushed into the plurality of lateral grooves 120 by the teeth of the comb-like structure or the user's hands. Next at step 230, the hair-locking mechanisms 150, 160 are employed to tighten and secure the hair singles that are located in the plurality of lateral grooves 120. At step 240, the vertically movable platform 140 is lowered to a height that is below the height of the groove floor 120 b of the plurality of lateral grooves 120. Lowering the vertically movable platform 140 provides a clearance for applying the wrapping material over the hair singles. In certain embodiments, depending on the configuration of the wrapping mechanism 180, the vertically movable platform 140 could also be raised to a height higher than the groove floor 120 b or even higher than the top surface 110. At step 250, the wrapping mechanism 180 is positioned to be adjacent (i.e., close to or touching) the hair singles in the middle portion 130. At step 260, the wrapping mechanism is employed to bind the hair singles. Once the wrapping material is applied to the hair singles, the wrapping mechanism is positioned away from the hair singles at step 270. At step 280, the wrapped hair singles are removed from the plurality of lateral grooves 120. Ideally, while removing the wrapped hair singles from the plurality of lateral grooves 120, the user lifts each wrapped hair single from the wrapped portion of the hair single.

FIG. 5A depicts another embodiment of the hair extensions separator 300. In this embodiment, the hair extensions separator comprises of two comb-like structures 310, 320. The comb-like structures 310 and 320 may be linked together using a flexible material or any other suitable material. Alternatively, the comb-like structures310 and 320 may be separate discrete pieces. The comb-like structures 310, 320 comprise a plurality of teeth protruding from at least one surface of the comb-like structures 310, 320. In certain embodiments, the width between adjacent teeth of the comb-like structure is adjustable to accommodate desired hair singles sizes. FIGS. 5C and 5D depict one embodiment of the hair extensions separator 300 of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5C depicts one comb-like structure 310 and FIG. 5D depicts comb-like structures 310 and 320 connected together. The hair extensions separator 300 is designed to be portable allowing users to easily store and carry the hair extensions separator 300.

Operation of the hair extensions separator 300 will now be described. The user spreads the hair bundle/bundles (previously purchased at a beauty store) on a surface. The hair extensions separator 300 can be operated on any number of relatively flat surfaces (e.g., a tabletop, a countertop, a sitting portion of a chair or stool, etc.). Next the user places the comb-like structures 310, 320 over a middle portion of the hair bundle as depicted in FIG. 5A with the teeth of the comb-like structures 310, 320 facing the hair bundle. During operation, the comb-like structures 310, 320 are lowered atop a middle portion of the hair bundle thereby trapping the hair strands between the teeth. The comb-like structures 310, 320 are then swept laterally along the surface in opposite directions (e.g., the comb-like structure 310 is swept laterally to the left and the comb-like structure 320 is swept laterally to the right). Alternatively, referring to FIG. 5D, the user can spread the hair bundle atop the comb-like structures 310 and 320. Next, the user separates the comb-like structures 310 and 320 laterally apart. The sweeping motion of the comb-like structures 310, 320 forces the strands of hair of the hair bundle into the gaps between the teeth of the comb-like structures 310, 320 FIG. 5B depicts the hair bundle separated into hair singles by using the hair extensions separator 300.

It is to be understood that the disclosed subject matter is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangements set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed subject matter is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other designs, structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the disclosed subject matter. Therefore, the claims should be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter.

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes” and/or “including”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the terms “and/or” and “at least one of” include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the disclosed subject matter has been described and illustrated in the foregoing exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example, and that numerous changes in the details of implementation of the disclosed subject matter may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter. 

1. An apparatus for separating hair extensions, comprising: a top surface having a plurality of lateral grooves, the plurality of lateral grooves extending along a longer length of the top surface, wherein each lateral groove comprises a groove floor and a pair of groove sidewalls that connect to each other to form each lateral groove; a hair locking mechanism at each end of the top surface that secures a plurality of hair bundles once each hair bundle is located in each lateral groove; a middle portion of the top surface extending along a shorter length of the top surface comprising a vertically movable platform that exposes a portion of each hair bundle when each hair bundle is located in each lateral groove; and a wrapping mechanism that is capable of wrapping a wrapper around said portion of each hair bundle when each hair bundle is located in each lateral groove.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hair locking mechanism comprises a first hair-locking mechanism located at one end of the top surface and a second hair-locking mechanism located at the opposite end of the top surface from the first hair-locking mechanism.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a top surface of the vertically movable platform is lower than the floor of the plurality of lateral grooves.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of lateral grooves comprises one of adjustable groove sidewalls and adjustable groove floors.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a comb-like structure capable of being moved across the top surface to push the hair into the plurality of lateral grooves.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the comb-like structure comprises a plurality of teeth.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the plurality of teeth contact the top surface when the hair is being pushed into the plurality of grooves.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the comb-like structure has variable width between adjacent teeth.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wrapping mechanism further comprises a wrap material to wrap each hair bundle.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the wrap material is one of paper, a rubber band or a plastic material.
 11. A method for separating hair extensions, comprising: spreading hair extensions over a top surface having a plurality of lateral grooves; securing the hair extensions to each end of the top surface; separating the hair extensions into a plurality of bunches of hair wherein each bunch of hair rests in one of the lateral grooves; and wrapping a portion of each bunch of hair with a wrapper.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising moving the vertically movable platform lower than the floor of the lateral grooves.
 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising adjusting groove sidewalls and groove floors of the plurality of lateral grooves.
 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising moving a comb-like structure capable of being moved across the top surface to push the hair into the plurality of lateral grooves.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the comb-like structure comprises a plurality of teeth.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the plurality of teeth contact the top surface when the hair is being pushed into the plurality of grooves.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the comb-like structure has variable width between adjacent teeth.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the wrapping mechanism further comprises a wrap material to wrap each hair bundle.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the wrap material is one of paper, a rubber band or a plastic material.
 20. An apparatus for separating hair extensions, comprising: at least two comb-like structures coupled together at a first surface of each comb-like structure; the at least two comb-like structures each having a plurality of teeth protruding from at least a second surface of each comb-like structure;
 21. A method for separating hair extensions, comprising: spreading hair extensions over a surface; placing at least two comb-like structures over a middle portion of the hair extensions and in contact with the hair extensions; laterally sweeping the at least two comb-like structures in opposite directions from the middle portion of the hair extensions. 